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Hi
Rod,
I can't vouch
with personal knowledge about the life histories of all of the birds that you
describe but I can suggest that it may not necessarily be correct (and on
probability not likely) that of the Superb Fairy-wrens
they were only 3 adult males, two in one of the groups, the rest were
either females or immatures, possibly 50 or more all up. On that number I
suggest that some of what you believe were either females or
immatures could be adult males in eclipse plumage. That is (if and likely
that) some were in blue plumage last summer and will be again next
spring.
Philip
I walked the Weston Ck bike path along the Molonglo
River this afternoon for similar sightings (possibly the area you saw them
Michael) - est. approx 20 - 30 Red-browed finches, 10 - 15 Double-barred,
smaller numbers of Yellow-rumped T'bills & Grey Fantails, 2 Goldfinch, large
numbers of Silvereyes eating pyracantha berries like they were popping
pills. Also 4 Darters incl. one at a nest, & 6 Dusky
Woodswallows. Grey Butcherbird calling in the distance. I was really
struck with the number of Superb Fairy Wrens. Although they were moving
about, they were on both sides of the river and I would say at least 5 separate
family groups. Only 3 adult males, two in one of the groups, the rest
were either females or immatures, possibly 50 or more all up. I
crossed the river at the horse crossing & walked the forest side only
to find the construction site blocked my shortcut back to the vehicle (parked
near the RSPCA). Total retrace of steps necessary! Speaking of
the construction site birds I have seen in the now razed area in days gone
by (pre fire) include Red-capped Robin, Varied Sitella, Eastern Yellow
Robin, Flame and/or Scarlet Robins, Palid & Fan-tailed Cuckoos, Brown
Falcon, & a family group of Black-shouldered Kites. Maybe the
arboretum will in time offer them replacement habitat.
Cheers
Rod
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